Thursday, December 18, 2008

When it was announced that the ninth grade dance would beSemi-formal, one girl shrieked, Oh, goodyGoody! She spoke for those who wanted satin,Rhinestones. In dress shops they asked, Do I look fat inThis? To choruses of No from momsAnd friends. The photos they took were previews of promsAnd weddings—couples arm in arm in yards,On porches. The boys (in sneakers) opened back doors of carsAnd parents chauffeured the duos to decorated gymsWhere songs by Rihanna and Britney echoed in the rafters, like hymns.